Lens Coating Adhesion via Membrane Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying coatings to ophthalmic and solar lenses with varying geometric characteristics face challenges in achieving uniform glue distribution and adequate thickness, leading to potential coating detachment and degradation of optical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that adjust the position of the lens relative to an inflatable membrane to control pressure distribution, ensuring uniform glue application and adherence, while considering the lens's thickness, curvature, and material characteristics to prevent deformation and ensure optimal coating application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable membrane is used to press the coating film against the lens, then the coating adhesion is improved, but the pressure distribution becomes non-uniform for lenses with varying geometric characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable lens support that can be dynamically adjusted in position relative to the inflatable membrane during the coating process. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different lens geometries and achieve uniform pressure distribution across the lens surface, resolving the contradiction between improving coating adhesion and maintaining pressure uniformity for varying lens characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the lens support relative to the membrane to optimize pressure distribution. By adjusting the distance and position of the lens support, the system can compensate for variations in lens geometry (thickness, curvature) and achieve uniform adhesive thickness and pressure distribution, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while ensuring reliable coating adhesion
2Device complexity
If the lens position is fixed relative to the membrane, then the apparatus complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different lens geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable lens support with adjustable positioning capabilities, transforming the apparatus from a static to a dynamic system. This allows the same apparatus to adapt to various lens geometries by adjusting the lens support position, thereby improving versatility without significantly complicating the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable lens support mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions lenses with different geometries, compensates for thickness variations, and ensures uniform pressure distribution across diverse lens types. This multi-functionality enhances the apparatus's adaptability to different lens characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform pressure is applied across the lens surface, then the adhesive distribution is improved, but the lens deformation increases for lenses with varying thickness and curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary positioning of the lens support at an optimized distance from the membrane before the coating process begins. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-establish the correct geometric relationship between the lens and membrane, ensuring that subsequent pressure application achieves uniform adhesive distribution without causing excessive lens deformation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves the bonding and durability of coatings on lenses with diverse physical and geometric characteristics, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and maintaining the optical integrity of the lenses.
Implementation Method 1
During membrane inflation, it progressively presses down on the coating film, extending its contact area from the center of the lens to its periphery
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for applying a film of coating (63) to one face (108) of an optical element (100), comprising the depositing of the coating on the face of the lens, an adhesive interface (46) being disposed between the coating and the lens, and the inflating of a membrane (62) toward the lens to flatten the coating against the lens. According to the invention, the adjustment is provided of the position of the lens with respect to the membrane, said adjustment being distinct from the inflation of the membrane.